Knowledge Mobilization

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Why Should I Use Social Media as a Knowledge Mobilization Tool?

The purposeful engagement of scholarly work in social media to disseminate knowledge into the public discourse is a potential evolution of academia’s mores. (Heilig & Brewer, 2019)  

There is evidence that social media enhances transparency and trust, while supporting a variety of relationships. As a result, social media has the potential to support knowledge mobilization and research-based relationships. (Phipps, Jenson & Myers, 2014)

Using social media as a knowledge mobilization strategy has many unique advantages:  

  • It allows for almost instant dissemination of information. It can capture a very wide audience, from other researchers and policy makers to the public.
  • It costs little to produce, and nothing to consume, thereby improving information equity.
  • It allows for direct, meaningful engagement between the researchers and their audience.  

Why Should I Use a Social Media Specialist as a Knowledge Broker?

While many people confidently use social media recreationally, using it as a powerful knowledge mobilization tool is best done with specific training and experience.  To maximize reach and engagement, a social media specialist will incorporate the following essential elements:

  • Development of a social media strategy (including decisions about the best channels, content, graphics, posting time and frequency).
  • High quality content created in the recommended formats.
  • Analysis and monitoring of specific indicators to gauge the project’s success.  

What Does It Look Like if I Work with a Social Media Specialist?

During Grant Proposal Development:

  • No-charge consultation to discuss how social media could support the project.
  • Assistance in budget development.
  • Assistance in developing wording for the proposal.

During, or at the Conclusion of the Project:

  • Provision of customized social media services.
  • Regular meetings to discuss content, approve draft material, and review analytics.
  • Optional training for staff or students on how to perform this work.

For more information,

Contact Brenda

Phipps, D., Jensen, K., & Myers, J. (2012, August 16). [PDF]Applying social sciences research for public benefit using knowledge mobilization and social media: Semantic scholar. https://bit.ly/3sZmZ3p    

Heilig, J. V., & Brewer, T. J. (2019). Making the case for academia’s engagement in knowledge: Mobilization and purposeful public scholarship in social media. Critical Questions in Education. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1219704